초록 ▼

A traffic warning system which alerts approaching vehicle traffic to an intersection stop requirement. The system includes a plurality of above-pavement, surface mounted lights, installed in a fashion similar to currently used road reflectors, and which are partially embedded in a roadway and placed

A traffic warning system which alerts approaching vehicle traffic to an intersection stop requirement. The system includes a plurality of above-pavement, surface mounted lights, installed in a fashion similar to currently used road reflectors, and which are partially embedded in a roadway and placed across the roadway, e.g., adjacent to and parallel with the existing stripes or stop bars designating an intersection, and constructed so that they are impervious to vehicle traffic over them. Once activated, the lights flash in the direction of oncoming traffic, and emanate directly from the roadway, to warn drivers of approaching vehicles that a stop may be required at the intersection, and that caution should be exercised.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An intersection traffic control apparatus to alert approaching vehicle traffic to an intersection stop requirement, said intersection traffic control apparatus comprising: a roadway, said roadway having a surface; a plurality of signal head members mounted on said roadway surface and extendin

1. An intersection traffic control apparatus to alert approaching vehicle traffic to an intersection stop requirement, said intersection traffic control apparatus comprising: a roadway, said roadway having a surface; a plurality of signal head members mounted on said roadway surface and extending at least some distance across said roadway and above said roadway surface to at least partially designate an intersection, each of said signal head members conditioned to withstand contact by vehicle traffic, each of said signal head members including at least one light source adapted to direct a beam of light from said roadway surface in the direction of the approaching vehicle traffic and away from the intersection, and adjacent to and generally parallel to said roadway surface; and activation means to selectively illuminate said plurality of signal head members light sources to warn the drivers of the approaching vehicles that a stop may be required at the intersection. 2. The intersection traffic control apparatus of claim 1 wherein said activation means comprises a traffic signal controller. 3. The intersection traffic control apparatus of claim 1 wherein said activation means comprises a proximity actuated switch. 4. The intersection traffic control apparatus of claim 1 including an ambient light sensing circuit to adjust light intensity to dynamically compensate for poor visibility and night operating conditions. 5. The intersection traffic control apparatus of claim 1 including data storage circuitry connected to said activation means to collect additional data related to the activation of said apparatus. 6. The intersection traffic control apparatus of claim 5 including report generation circuitry connected to said data storage circuitry. 7. The intersection traffic control apparatus of claim 1 including solar power circuitry connected to said activation means to operate said activation means. 8. The intersection traffic control apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head members have a height of one half (1/2) to three fourths (3/4) inches above said roadway surface. 9. The intersection traffic control apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head light source comprises light emitting diodes. 10. The intersection traffic control apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head light source is directed in a beam having a vertical angular range of 0 degrees to 5 degrees. 11. The intersection traffic control apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head members are installed facing only oncoming vehicle traffic. 12. The intersection traffic control apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head members are installed across the entire width of an intersection. 13. The intersection traffic control apparatus of claim 1 wherein said beam of light flashes in a predetermined sequence, and remains flashing for a predetermined time. 14. The intersection traffic control apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal head member includes a lens assembly to focus light into a beam in the direction of an approaching vehicle. 15. The intersection traffic control apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of signal head members each include a base plate portion embedded in said roadway. 16. The intersection traffic control apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of signal head members are configured to flash a color coordinated with a traffic signal head.